government procurement illegal kickbacks defense lawyers

Kickbacks, Bribes, and Health Care and Government Contract Defense Lawyers

Engaging in illegal kickbacks or bribes related to government contracts or healthcare can lead to severe civil and criminal consequences under the federal and state Anti-Kickback regulations. Stark law submissions to the federal government that involve kickbacks contravening these laws are deemed false claims as per the Federal False Claims Act (FCA). Watson & Associates, LLC anti-kickback attorneys represent government contractors and health care firms charged or indicted for illegal kickbacks.

Through these regulations, Congress emphasizes that manipulating business dealings via kickbacks for government contracts undermines the federal procurement mechanism and is strictly prohibited. The False Claims Act is a legal tool to combat such fraudulent actions by government contractors or healthcare professionals.

What are Kickbacks?

In legal terms, a “kickback” encompasses any form of monetary or non-monetary compensation, such as money, gifts, favors, or any item of tangible value, given directly or indirectly to prime contractors, subcontractors, or employees or even government employees.  Under Stark law, an illegal kickback is done to gain undue advantage or favoritism with a prime contract or its associated subcontracts. Examples include meals, monetary gifts, event tickets, or even invitations to sporting or recreational events.

Illegal bribes: The act of bribing present or past government officials is equally frowned upon. Presenting or promising any form of value to such government officials, aiming for preferential treatment on a government contract, is unethical and holds legal ramifications under the FCA. Bribes are diverse in nature, spanning from tangible gifts to services, travel facilities, accommodations, and even advanced payments or subsequent reimbursements.

Stark Law Penalties

Criminal penalties and administrative sanctions for Stark Law Violations for violating Anti-Kickback Statute (42 U.S.C. § 1320a-7b(b)) include huge fines, jail terms, and suspension and debarment from participation in the Federal health care programs. In addition, Physicians who pay or accept kickbacks also face penalties of up to $50,000 per kickback plus three times the amount of the remuneration.

If you are facing criminal charges or under a DOJ or OIG investigation for Stark Law violations, our defense attorneys are here to help. At Watson & Associates, LLC, our team of DOJ and OIG stark law lawyers and anti-kickback attorneys specialize in whistleblower and qui tam defense cases. If you are investigated for kickbacks, bribes, and health care illegal bribes, call our government contractor anti kickbacks defense lawyers at 1.866.601.5518.

Why Choose Watson & Associates, LLC for Government Contractor Federal Criminal Defense Cases? 

High profile defense lawyer Whistleblower Qui Tam Lawsuit Defense LawyerTheodore P. Watson, Esquire. Practice Group Lead. At Watson & Associates, with law offices in Colorado and Washington, DC, our top rated federal criminal defense attorneys have experience actually working for federal government contracting agencies. We understand the nuts and bolts of how the investigation comes about and how the DOJ or even the SBA OIG develops a civil or criminal case against you.

A crucial aspect of our practice lies in the fact that many of our federal defense stark law lawyers possess extensive experience as government contracting officials. We also understand how trial lawyers in federal agencies like the DOJ and the U.S. Attorney’s Office operate. Drawing on those valuable insights, our job is to deconstruct the government’s case and develop a legal defense that can create leverage in the event of litigation.

top rated pentagon and congressional investigation lawyer washington DC criminal Defense Health Car Fraud Foreign Corrupt FCAP defene attorneysWalter H. Foster, Of Counsel, is a seasoned attorney and former Army colonel with deep experience orchestrating teams, imparting clarity and counsel, and executing on behalf of both private enterprise and the federal government. From managing technical construction in Iraq to prosecuting terrorists for the Pentagon, Walter brings mission focus to every challenge.

Moving to the Pentagon as Lead Trial Counsel, Walter was tapped to spearhead the high-profile prosecution of an Al Qaeda operative who had been detained at Guantanamo Bay. Walter established and managed a busy practice in Tampa, working the entire case lifecycle for 3,000 bench trials and 80 jury trials over nine years. While focusing largely on criminal defense, civil litigation. 

 

Wojciech Kornacki Government Contracts Attorney & Suspension Debarment LawyerWojciech Kornacki, Of Counsel, focuses his practice on federal contract compliance, contract dispute and litigation, and business ethics. He has successfully represented dozens of private companies and individuals as a suspension and debarment lawyer facing debarment and suspension, challenged and defended contract awards at the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, filed appeals and litigated claims at the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals (ASBCA) and the Civilian Board of Contract Appeals (CBCA), drafted compliance policies and assisted in due diligence matters and training. Read more.

 

 

Whistleblower anti-kickback attorneyWise D. Allen, Esquire , Counsel is a former Veteran Lieutenant Commander Judge Advocate for the United States Military. He also has extensive knowledge of Stark laws and anti kickback rules and experience in resolving corporate defense and litigation in vast international and national legal issues.

As an anti-kickback fraud attorney, he brings a wealth of successful experience to government contractors seeking defense counsel in the various areas of procurement fraud, Anti Corruption law, illegal kickbacks, international contracting, False Claims Act defense, BAA and TAA compliance and more.

Mr. Allen’s federal litigation experience as a former appellate attorney representing the United States and federal attorney for defendants in trials that led to his clients receiving overwhelming favorable outcomes in contested issues and obtaining non-contested resolutions. Read  more..

Hire Top Government Contracts and Healthcare Fraud Kickback Lawyers

Receiving kickbacks and money for awarding a government contract in violation of the Anti-kickback in the bidding process can become a serious nightmare. Watson & Associates, LLC offers government contractor fraud and illegal kickbacks defense lawyers who work with local counsel to aggressively defend in government investigations and criminal cases.

Call us today for immediate help and a confidential free initial consultation at 1.866.601.5518. Speak to Theodore Watson.